The other night I got to participate in Paragon Pals after our Club’s meeting. Paragon Pals collects personal items, mostly for women, that we bag and then donate to various shelters, or those in need.

Being a member of the Paragon Optimist Club has increased my desire to be a better person. During my membership ceremony I was told, “I will learn the Optimist Creed, a genuine challenge to all men and women to live by.” I still to this day try to live by this creed. “To think only of the best. To work only for the best. And to expect only the best.” So, when the opportunity presented itself for me to join the board of a new meal ministry at my church, Trinity Lutheran Church, I did not hesitate.

Red. Green. Blue. Animals. Santa Claus. Snowmen. Scissors snip. Snip. Christmas music. Laughing. Teasing. Were some of the sights and sounds from our meeting tonight. As I reflect on this wonderful evening, I’m reminded of everything that led us here. Our club has been so busy the last month in a half or so. The kind of busy that is fun and heartwarming.

After hours of going door to door yelling ‘Trick or Treat’ at the top of my lungs I would end the night with a large bag of candy. Looking back, I also remember smiling adults who filled my bag and filled my heart with childhood joy.

Last night is one of my favorite nights as a Paragon Optimist member - we got to donate a check to a worthy charity! This year our donation went to help those who need it at New Life Mission. A huge thank you to Pastor Felix, Director of NLM, for everything he and his organization does for our community.

In a faraway land named Paragon, two bunnies were hard at work prepping and preparing for a very special event. On this one special evening all of the Paragon generous, hardworking bunnies will arrive with noses wiggling and tails-waggling to make baskets.